Published at 25th of September 2024 7:16 am

Chapter 2192: Another Visit to Hana's Home

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As the bus rolled into the next stop and more passengers disembarked, the space around us became even more secluded. The dim lights inside the bus cast soft shadows on Hana's face, her cheeks still glowing from our shared intimacy. Her mismatched eyes of gold and black sparkled with that mix of excitement and affection I'd grown used to seeing. Despite her exhaustion, she didn't close them to rest. Instead, she kept staring at me, as if she were committing every detail to memory.

She's not holding back about her affection for me anymore. This girl who used to only think that she could only find comfort next to me had now changed a lot. She now wanted more and I'd gladly give her what she wanted.

Of course, as long as she wouldn't be mischievous and try to antagonize everyone again. Soon enough, we arrived at our destination. As we stepped off of the bus, the cool evening air greeted us, a stark contrast to the heated moments we shared inside.

Without wasting a single moment, I quickly moved us away from the place, avoiding confrontation with that passenger who saw me emerging from Hana's skirt.

It's not that I was afraid of her, I just didn't want to waste a second dealing with something as trivial as that. Besides, I doubt we'd encounter the same passenger again in the future. And even if we did, we could just act oblivious.

As I was lost in that thought, Hana's hand found mine, her fingers intertwining with my own as she displayed her genuine smile, bringing my head back to the present.

I smiled back, appreciating her beauty as well as this moment that we're now experiencing together.

I shook my head inwardly, clearing my thoughts before opening my mouth again, raising a question for her to answer.

"Do you know why I decided to cook for you instead of bringing you home to have dinner with us?"

Hana's brows knitted in thought before she shook her head. "No. I was actually about to ask you that. I thought for sure you'd invite me over."

Well, that's expected. I didn't explain it to her after all. But I do have my reason why I chose this route.

"Let's see. How should I say it? It's the easiest choice and the most reasonable but Hana, you asked me to escort you home. If it was my own decision, I would really bring you to our house and eat dinner with us instead..."

It was pretty simple, no? But well, that's just how it is. Sometimes, even the smallest decisions would be distinctive depending on the details or context.

"Oh. I get it. It's your notorious considerate trait again, Ruki. I'm not expecting a lot, actually. All of us know how you can't seem to get a break from attending one girl to another. For me, having you walk me home is more than enough for today."

"Mhm. You're not wrong with that. But you shouldn't be content with just that, no? I mean, before you return, you seem quite the fighter that you provoked everyone. I appreciate you changing for me, or us... But Hana, your unyielding personality is also part of your charm. You're the one who always gets what you want."

"Ruki, should I strangle you and remind you how you keep shutting me down? After all my loss, should I not accept my defeat?"

"That's not what I'm saying, dummy. I just want you to remember that despite how complicated our relationship becomes, you're still the Hana of the past that I fell in love with."

"Ugh. That glib tongue of yours is timeless... But I get what you mean... You don't have to worry Ruki. I'll remain to be the Hana who you fall in love with. I'm just changing with the times. I can't fall behind the others. And when I get my chance, believe me, I'll still steal you from them."

"That's great to hear. I'll keep on waiting for that. In the meantime, let me continue taking care of you."

Hana giggled in response and that's enough of an answer. The way her eyes sparkled already showed her understanding of me.

And likewise, the girl had no reservations when it came to exposing her inner thoughts to me. With this, we continued to our destination.

The streets were bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows that danced with every step we took. Our hands never let go of each other like announcing to anyone we run into that we're inseparable.

Soon enough, we reached the supermarket.

Given the current time, it was near its closing hours. It was already relatively quiet with only a few patrons milling about.

Hana and I walked side by side, our shoulders occasionally brushing against each other as we navigated the aisles. I asked her what she wanted to eat and eventually, we filled the basket with an array of fresh vegetables, their vibrant colors looking inviting. I picked up a pack of chicken breasts, mentally planning the dish I would cook for her.

As we stood in line at the checkout, Hana leaned against me, her head resting on my shoulder. I could feel her warmth, her breath softly tickling my neck. I wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to the envy of many.

The cashier gave us a knowing smile, but neither of us paid much attention. I winked at the cashier before grabbing the grocery bags and guiding Hana outside.

The walk to Hana's house was filled with comfortable silence, punctuated only by the rustling

of the bags and the distant hum of the busy parts of the city.

Once inside, Hana immediately prepared house slippers for me as we made our way to her

kitchen.

I quickly scanned the space, noting the subtle changes since my last visit. Nothing major, but everything seemed more organized.

I opened her fridge and saw it stocked with enough supplies to last her a few days. Hana excused herself to change, leaving me alone in the kitchen. While waiting, I unpacked the groceries, putting away the extras and keeping out what I needed for the meal.

When Hana returned, the girl stood by the doorway with her hands on her hips. Her natural lush hair tied up in a messy bun, a few loose strands framing her face.

Upon noticing my gaze at her, she looked at me expectantly, a small smile playing on her lips.

"So, what do you think, Chef Ruki? Am I fit to be your assistant?"

Looking at her eyes sparkling with amusement, I played along and nodded.

"Can you peel the vegetables, my lovely assistant?"

"S-sure. I can!" She stuttered.

"Why the stutter?"

"... My training hasn't reached that level yet." Her eyes darted to left and right, clearly

embarrassed being exposed like this.

I guess she hadn't reached the kitchen chores yet.

"This girl... Then, rather than that... boil water in the pot and then watch me."

"Understood, Chef!" Hana comically saluted as she sauntered to where her kitchen utensils were located, pulling out the pot. But before she could move to the sink and fill it with water,

she seemed to remember something.

The girl walked near a cabinet and pulled out something from it.

When she turned around, she unfolded something essential for the kitchen work.

With a teasing smile, she tossed it to me, "Before we forget, put this on, Chef. This'll look

good on you."

I caught it and held it up with a raised eyebrow...

This... I get that I need an apron. But why is this pink and frilly? Did she prepare it just for this

day?

Looking at the apron that she was putting on, it was the same design.

"You really want to see me in this, huh?" I dreadfully said as I hooked the strap on my neck,

putting it on.

Maintaining that glint of mischief on her expression, Hana shrugged "What can I say? You

pull off the frills well, Ruki. Besides, a good chef always wears an apron. You can't say no to that."

"... Fine. This is a service for you."

"Heh... Can I take a photo?" Hana pulled out her phone and immediately fiddled with it before

pointing the camera to me.

"No."

"That's a yes, huh? And saved!"

I swiftly answered, but Hana pretended not to hear it as she excitedly exclaimed.

This girl... Should I get mad? Nah. This is just the girl's way to lighten the atmosphere. And

honestly, I'm loving it.

After a few more back and forths which always ended with Hana's joyful laughter, I began my work to prepare a meal for her.

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